Vibrant, colourful and unique are some of the lesser-known festivals of India
As vast as our country India is, vast are its states and regions. And uniquely vast are the traditions and unique combination and coexistence of cultures across the terrains of India that give us unusual festivals to celebrate. From snake boat race to making a human pyramid, each festival is celebrated with grandeur and vibrancy.
Lath Mar Holi A prime attraction for people from around the world and the country celebrated in Nandgaon, Vrindavan, and Barsana, the towns are dipping in the holi colours as the main attraction: women holding lathis and men trying to save themselves is amazing. Played just before the actual holi, according to Hindu mythology Lord Krishna had visited Radha’s village on this day and while teasing Radha and her friends, the ladies in reaction chased Krishna away by using lathi.
Kila Raipur Sports Olympics It is one of the most unusual festivals of India, dedicated to sports. Held every year in the Kila Raipur village, Ludhiana in February, this festival has fun-filled competitions like athletics, hockey, and kabaddi with participation from the villagers of surrounding areas. Quite similar to the usual Olympics, this festival is an attraction for domestic as well as international audiences. The interesting events are horse racing, aerobatics, mule cart and tractor race, and other rural sports.
International Kite Festival Marking the beginning of the harvesting season, the Kite festival is one of the most beautiful festivals celebrated in India. The vibrant colourful and unique kites flying in the sky from early dawn till sometimes even after dusk, light up the city. Famous worldwide as ‘Uttarayan’ this festival is celebrated all throughout Gujarat by flying kites in a variety of colors and designs.
Bhandara Festival Celebrated by playing with turmeric, Bhandara Festival at the Khandoba temple in Jejuri, Pune attracts thousands of devotees and spectators to witness the temple premises and air smeared in yellow colour as the idol of Lord Khandoba is taken out in procession with his wife Malsha for a bath at noon on ‘somvatiAmavasya’ - a new moon day. This holy bath is symbolic of recreating their marriage and turmeric is associated with applying ‘Haldi’ to the bride and groom before the wedding.
Puli Kali in Kerala Celebrated in August during Onam in South India, Puli Kali originated some 200 years back comprising music, art, and drama. The theme of the festival is tiger hunting, wherein performers painted like tigers and hunters using red, black, and yellow color enact on the beats of instruments Udukku and Thakil.
All festivals steaming from the rich Indian culture are an integral part of our country. While these are just a few, there are more such splendid beautiful festivals all around the country.
